Russian nuclear technologies in Europe: is it really worth it?

DiXi Group, with support from the International Renaissance Foundation, has prepared a new analysis examining the risks associated with Russian nuclear technologies in Europe. The research focuses on the planned nuclear fuel assembly project under Rosatom’s license at Framatome’s facility in Lingen, Germany, raising concerns about safety standards and technological dependence on the Russian nuclear sector.

The study presents disturbing evidence from Russia’s primary VVER fuel production facility in Elektrostal, where multiple radiation incidents have been documented with levels reaching up to 876 times above safety norms. The analysis reveals systematic concealment of safety violations, persistent soil contamination at 11.5 times above acceptable levels, and ongoing environmental impacts on surrounding residential areas. These findings suggest that Europe must carefully evaluate the risks of continued cooperation with Rosatom and prioritize developing independent fuel solutions for VVER reactors rather than compromising safety standards.